McFarland Funeral Home, Inc.

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McFarland Funeral Home, Inc.

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12/16/2025

Maxine Shelton Willis Griffith

Maxine Shelton (Willis) Griffith, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, was born on July 8, 1950, in Owensboro, Kentucky, to the late McArthur Shelton Willis, Sr. and Vannie Mae Higgs Willis. On Friday, December 12, 2025, she peacefully departed this earthly life at her home, with her devoted husband, William Edward “Med” Griffith, by her side.

Maxine attended Western Elementary School and graduated from Owensboro Senior High School. She later spent a brief time in Kansas City, Missouri, before returning to Owensboro to remain close to her family. At an early age, she professed her faith in Christ as her Savior while attending Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she worshipped faithfully and participated in many church activities.

She worked for many years with the former Bell System and retired from BellSouth. Maxine also spent several years employed at MPD Manufacturing in Owensboro. Beyond her professional life, she found joy in crossword puzzles and especially in cross-stitching, generously gifting her creations to others. She loved cooking and baking—her pound cakes and pies were legendary, and she even mastered the art of yeast rolls.

Affectionately known as “Aunt Max” or “Maxi,” she was cherished by family and friends alike. Her home was always open, her laughter contagious, and her smile radiant—one that lit up her whole face and brought joy to those around her. Maxine delighted in socializing, dancing, listening to “old school” music, and sharing moments of humor that often left her in tears of laughter.

Maxine leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her children, Ricky (Diana) and Joyce “Baby Sister”; grandchildren Darrell, DeMarko, Dehavin (Mackenzie), Donnisha, and Desmond; siblings McArthur (Sherry) Shelton Willis, Jr., Wanda R. Willis, Vanyel L. Willis-Parker, and LaVonne Renaye Willis; nieces ShaRetha V. Chilton, KimBra D. (Gabriel) Chilton Wade, LaTasia (Jay) Evans, and Venus (Warren) Arnold; nephews Mickey (Irene) Shelton Willis III, Mickey Willis IV, Shelton Anton Willis, Terran Willis, Justin Willis, and Timothy Willis; favorite cousin Lewis Willis; ten grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several great-nieces and nephews, including Matthew (deceased); and a host of beloved friends and acquaintances.

A celebration of Maxine’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Fourth Street Baptist Church, 821 W 4th St, Owensboro, KY 42301, with Pastor Clarence Tapp of House of Jesus Christ Fellowship serving as eulogist and Dr. Jeramiah L. Parks, Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, officiating. Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at McFarland Funeral Home, 1001 W 5th St, Owensboro, KY 42301.

Live streaming of the service will be available at www.mcfarlandfh.com. Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.mcfarlandfh.com.

Care entrusted to McFarland Funeral Home of Owensboro, KY.

View Maxine Shelton Willis Griffith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/16/2025

Bryson E Allen Bartlett

Bryson E. Allen Bartlett, age 12, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Owensboro Medical Health System.

Bryson was born on September 26, 2013, to Christine Bartlett Curry. He resided with his grandparents Richard Light, Sr. and Starlet Light, and his stepfather Richard (Rhythem Vanover) Light Jr. He also lived with his sisters Brooklyn (Hunter Welch) Bartlett, Wednesday Light, October Light, Graicelynn Bouser, La’Janice Fuentes, and Zeppelin Willis, as well as his cousins Aubrey Peters, Makenzie Light, Jordan Light, and Kendall Light.

He is survived by his great-grandmother Martha Jackson; aunts Suzanna (Martin) Fitzgerald and Amber Light; uncles David (Kammie) Allen, Christopher Light, J.C. Crowe, Joey Crowe, Devin Crowe, Lee Crowe, and Carl “Marty” Bartlett Jr.; and step-grandfather John Crowe. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Brenda Crowe and grandfather Carl Bartlett.

Bryson was an energetic and bright twelve-year-old in the 5th grade at Meadowlands Elementary. He was funny, loving, and playful, with a spirit that could always bring a smile to those around him. He enjoyed sports, especially soccer and football, and loved playing video games such as Fortnite and Call of Duty. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, teachers, and the staff of Meadowlands Elementary.

Bryson was a member of UpChurch and was baptized on April 13, 2025, by Bishop Robert Randolph. He also attended Riverside Baptist Church with John and Jan Lamkin, where he participated in “Bible Buddies.” In addition, he was a member of the YMCA. He also attended youth bible study at Pleasant Valley Community Church on Wednesdays.

A celebration of Bryson’s life will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Pleasant Valley Community Church, 800 Pleasant Valley Rd, Owensboro, KY 42303, with Bishop Robert Randolph presiding and delivering the eulogy. Visitation and viewing will be from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church on Friday. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Please share memories and condolences for the family at www.mcfarlandfh.com. Care entrusted to McFarland Funeral Home, Inc., 1001 W 5th St, Owensboro, KY 42301.

View Bryson E Allen Bartlett's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/16/2025

https://www.mcfarlandfh.com/obituaries/bryson-bartlett

View Bryson E Allen Bartlett's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/09/2025

Timothy “Tim” David Bell, 53, of Owensboro, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, December 5, 2025.

He was born October 22, 1972, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Joseph David Bell and the late Jennifer Lee Bell.

Tim enjoyed a fulfilling career as an independent contractor,...